![Pheasant & Green, Bourton-on-the-Water (c) yokaew / Getty Images <i>(Image: Kudos Studio (Kudos Studio (Photographer) - [None])</i>](/resources/images/15739313.jpg?type=mds-article-962)
Thousands of people flock to the charming Cotswold village of Bourton-on-the-Water every year and luckily for visitors, and locals, there are plenty of fantastic places to eat out here. We pick 10 fantastic restaurants, pubs and cafes to enjoy a bite to eat
The best restaurants in Bourton-on-the-Water
The Rose Tree Restaurant is housed in a charming Grade II listed cottage. Inside the interiors are cosy and intimate while the large garden at the front boasts an enviable position overlooking the River Windrush.
Run by husband and wife team David and Monika and their friendly team, the menu is filled with traditional British and continental dishes reflecting the best of seasonal produce. Expect hearty dishes such as slow roasted pork belly and Moroccan vegetable tagine with weekly specials also available.
If you're in the mood for delicious and authentic Italian fare, look no further than L'anantra Italian Kitchen at the Chester House Hotel. As well as the popular stonebaked pizzas, there are also plenty of pasta, meat and seafood dishes to choose from and tapas served Monday to Thursday, between 3 and 5pm.
Although hidden away from Bourton-on-the-Water's busy Riverside, L'anatra tends to get busy during the summer months so it's worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
The Slaughters Manor House Restaurant
You'll find the picture-perfect village of Lower Slaughter just down the road from Bourton-on-the-Water and its well worth visiting if you're in the area. If you feeling peckish, before seeking out the pretty cottages that dot the River Eye running through the village, make a stop at The Slaughter Manor House Restaurant.
For a special occasion, the eight course dining menu or a la carte dishes served in the hotel's light and airy dining room fits the bill. Under chef Nik Chappel, the kitchen utilise locally sourced and foraged ingredients to produce creative, flavoursome dishes. If you're after something more informal, lunch, afternoon and lighter bites are served throughout the week in the hotel's lounges.
__________________________________________________
Discover more of the Cotswolds...
A visitor's guide to Bourton-on-the-Water
Cotswold villages: 10 of the prettiest places to visit
8 charming markets to explore in the Cotswolds
__________________________________________________
The best pubs in Bourton-on-the-Water
One of our favourite historic pubs in the region, The Mousetrap Inn has been lovingly and sympathetically brought up-to-date by new management. The staff are passionate about showcasing well-kept local ales so beer fans are in safe hands here.
This pub doesn't serve up your average pub food. The menu changes daily; with pub classics such as dry-aged sirloin steak and chips sitting alongside quirkier creations including lamb rump with parmesan, polenta, wild garlic pesto and asparagus. Food is served throughout the day from breakfast through to dinner, and roast dinners are available on Sunday.
You'll find the Duke of Wellington in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water, sitting alongside the River Windrush. Having recently undergone major refurbishment, the pub boasts modern, minimalist interiors juxtaposed with the honey-coloured exposed brickwork throughout.
Dining at the Duke is a casual affair: pub classics including Bombardier beer battered cod and chips, gourmet burgers and curry of the day make up the menu. We love the sound of the Welly platter - chicken wing, mozzarella strips, veggie spring rolls, garlic mushrooms, onions and chips - enjoyed al fresco in the beer garden with a pint of ale.
The best tea rooms in Bourton-on-the-Water
From morning pastries and freshly brewed coffee, melt-in-the-mouth lunchtime quiches and straight-out-of-the-oven scones to accompany your afternoon tea, there's also something deliciously indulgent to enjoy at the Bakery on the Water. The family-run bakery also hosts a pizza night on a Thursday.
With a charming riverside position, a seat outside in the sun provides a picturesque setting to breakfast and lunch and there's even the opportunity to take a picnic-to-go if you fancy exploring more of the Cotswolds (with something tasty to hand).
Smiths Kitchen was one of three finalists for the 'Tea/Coffee Shop of the Year' at the Cotswold Life Food & Drink Awards 2018 and for good reason. Whether it's your first or hundredth visit, you're made to feel equally welcome by the friendly team of staff.
Homemade lunches and warm plates are served throughout the day, alongside a board of daily specials. For those with a sweet tooth, delicious cream and afternoon teas are available as well as generous slices of freshly baked cake. Evening meals are served on a Saturday and booking is recommended.
Riverside Café
As the name suggests, Riverside Café has a sought-after position overlooking the village and the River Windrush and it's the perfect place to watch the world - and all the tourists - go by.
Whether you're grabbing a coffee and pastry to go or sitting in for a bite to eat, the staff will welcome you in and make you feel at home. Expect your traditional tea room offerings: filling fried breakfasts, doorstop sandwiches, warm scones and homemade cakes.
Green & Pleasant Tea Rooms
Housed in a honey-coloured Cotswold cottage, the Green & Pleasant is a delightful spot to enjoy a pot of tea and slice of cake. Filled to the brim with quirky knick-knacks on sale, the interiors are reminiscent of a kooky relative's living room and you're made to feel welcome as soon as you walk through the door.
Sandwiches, warm plates, cakes and scones with clotted cream and jam are served throughout the day, as well as Winstones ice cream. The Green & Pleasant are renowned for their choice of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, including their delicious vegan and gluten free scones.
On a sunny day there's nothing quite like coffee and cake taken on The Chestnut Tree's private lawn, sitting adjacent to the River Windrush. The interiors are just as delightful with tea pots hanging from the ceiling and vintage signs and plates dotting the walls.
Following breakfast, filled baguettes, sandwiches, toasties and jacket potatoes, as well as a board of daily specials, are available at lunch. You can also indulge in cream, afternoon and celebration teas with fluffy scones, clotted cream and jam and tasty homemade cakes.
